Admiral Henry Herrward Mauz Jr. (born May 4, 1936) is a distinguished retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served with exceptional distinction throughout his naval career. His service spanned from the Vietnam War through Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, culminating in his command of the United States Atlantic Fleet from 1992 to 1994. Admiral Mauz's leadership and strategic vision have left an enduring legacy in the U.S. Navy and naval education.
Admiral Mauz graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1959, beginning a distinguished career that would span more than three decades. His educational achievements include:
During the Vietnam War, then-Lieutenant Mauz served with distinction, operating river patrol boats along the Mekong Delta. This early combat experience shaped his understanding of naval operations and leadership under fire.
Admiral Mauz's command assignments demonstrate a progression of increasing responsibility and complexity:
As Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, Admiral Mauz oversaw naval operations across the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, one of the Navy's most strategically important commands during the final years of the Cold War.
In August 1990, Admiral Mauz assumed command of all United States Naval forces in the Persian Gulf following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. As Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, he played a pivotal role in the naval component of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His leadership during this critical period demonstrated the decisive power of modern naval forces in joint operations and helped establish the operational framework for naval power projection that continues today.
Admiral Mauz's final command assignment was as Commander-in-Chief of the United States Atlantic Fleet, responsible for all naval operations in the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding waters. He retired from active duty in December 1994.
Admiral Mauz's exceptional service earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
Following his retirement, Admiral Mauz dedicated himself to supporting naval education and innovation. He served as President and later Chairman of the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation, where his visionary leadership transformed the organization into a catalyst for educational excellence and innovation. His advocacy was instrumental in saving the Naval Postgraduate School from closure during the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
Admiral Mauz has served on numerous corporate boards and advisory councils, including:
Throughout his career, Admiral Mauz emphasized the importance of critical thinking, decisive leadership, and the value of the naval officers and sailors under his command. He has often stated that the Naval Postgraduate School was "the most formative critical thinking experience of his career and the place where he learned to be a great leader." His leadership principle that "you are only as good as the people that work for you" reflects his understanding that excellence in command depends on empowering and trusting one's team.
Duty khaki shirt with ribbon rack.